Scalar gauge dynamics and Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper explores scalar gauge theories with various gauge groups, identifying stable states as Dark Matter candidates arising from accidental symmetries, and analyzes their phases and potential pseudo-Goldstone nature.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the phases and symmetries in scalar gauge theories, highlighting new Dark Matter candidates and their complex structures.

Findings

Stable states from accidental symmetries can serve as Dark Matter candidates.

No generic dualities found among different Higgs phases.

Discrete symmetries and symmetry breaking can lead to pseudo-Goldstone Dark Matter.

Abstract

We consider theories with one gauge group (SU, SO or Sp) and one scalar in a two-index representation. The renormalizable action often has accidental symmetries (such as global U(1) or unusual group parities) that lead to one or more stable states, providing Dark Matter candidates. We discuss the confined phase(s) of each theory and compute the two Higgs phases, finding no generic dualities among them. Discrete gauge symmetries can arise and accidental symmetries can be broken, possibly giving pseudo-Goldstone Dark Matter. Dark Matter candidates can have a complicated sub-structure characteristic of each group and can be accompanied by extra dark radiation.